Orochimaru's Ambition

However, compared to the powerful forbidden techniques he possessed, the genetic modification and artificial embryo cultivation technologies Hyuga Lan requested were of far less value, which made Orochimaru breathe a sigh of relief.

He had truly feared that Hyuga Lan would make an exorbitant demand, but it seemed this kid had a good sense of proportion and knew what he could and could not ask for.

Since it was nothing too precious, Orochimaru did not hesitate long before promising to provide the materials Lan wanted in a short time.

"Lan, we really are the same kind of person. Those foolish fellows only know how to blindly pursue powerful secret techniques, not realizing that scientific technology is the greatest power of all."

Hiss...

"I find myself liking you more and more."

As he spoke, Orochimaru excitedly flicked his tongue, looking at Lan with the same ecstatic hunger one might have upon suddenly finding a delicious feast after starving.

If not for the fact that Hyuga Lan was bound by the Caged Bird Seal, and that the boy was more valuable remaining in Konoha Village, he would have been unable to resist taking him by his side to groom day and night.

What a pity, what a pity...

"Lan, I will certainly give you what I promised. From this moment on, our transaction begins."

Being able to obtain genetic modification and artificial embryo cultivation technology from Orochimaru would be a great help for his subsequent plans, so Hyuga Lan was also quite pleased at this moment and naturally agreed to investigate The Fool for Orochimaru.

Wondering about something, he asked Orochimaru again, "It is far too difficult to find someone based solely on a codename of unknown authenticity. Could you provide some more specific information, My Lord?"

Hyuga Lan wanted to use Orochimaru to confirm what others knew about him, so as to better prepare himself.

It was unclear whether Pain had hidden the information about The Fool potentially possessing the Rinnegan from Orochimaru, or if Orochimaru knew but did not want to reveal it to Hyuga Lan to prevent more people from learning about the Sage's Eye, but Orochimaru replied, "The Fool's identity is very mysterious; I only know this one codename. However, there is one person who is deeply connected to The Fool."

"Oh? Who is that?" Lan asked, feigning curiosity.

"Scorch Style Pakura of the Sand Village. She has betrayed the Sand Village and is currently hiding in the Ninja World. Finding her might unearth the secrets of The Fool."

He then thought of something else and added, "Also, I must warn you: you only need to inquire about information on The Fool, and you must avoid direct conflict with him. This is for your own good, do you understand?"

Orochimaru was certainly not afraid of Lan meeting with an accident; he was merely worried that if Lan were to provoke The Fool through his own recklessness and anger the man, then when he himself went to contact The Fool, the man might vent his anger on him because of his connection to Lan.

One could never be too careful when dealing with someone who even made Pain wary.

After Lan discovered through probing that Orochimaru truly knew very little about The Fool, he felt relieved. It seemed that Pain, out of some concern, had not fully disclosed the intelligence he possessed to his subordinates, so the situation was not yet too dire.

"You must join the Anbu as soon as possible and then begin searching for information on The Fool for me. As long as you can provide me with useful intelligence, I have never been stingy with rewards. If I can eventually succeed, it is not impossible to share the opportunity for eternal life with you. After all, on the path of pursuing truth, walking alone is always hard to bear. I need a companion of the same kind as you. Do you understand my intentions?"

It was hard to tell how much of Orochimaru's words were true or false, but they sounded quite sincere at the moment. If someone were unfamiliar with him, they might truly be moved and willing to lay down their lives for him.

It was just a pity that Lan knew Orochimaru well enough to know that there was nothing truly trustworthy in the eyes of the fickle Orochimaru.

Those who claimed they were willing to die loyally for Orochimaru often ended up dying by his hand.

For now, he was just making a deal with Orochimaru; how he would proceed afterward depended entirely on his own plans.

As for the information on The Fool that Orochimaru wanted, that was truly the simplest thing in the world for Lan.

He believed no one in this world understood The Fool better than he did.

Before Hyuga Lan left, Orochimaru pointed to Anko on the ground nearby and said, "I leave her to you to handle."

"How does My Lord wish for me to handle her?"

Facing Lan's inquiry, the corners of Orochimaru's mouth curled into a smile.

"Do as you please."

As he pleased?

That sounded nice.

He would not truly believe that Orochimaru was letting him handle this woman however he liked.

Since Orochimaru himself could not bear to lay a hand on this foolish woman, there was no need for him to go to the trouble of doing so.

Watching Hyuga Lan leave with Anko slung over his shoulder, Orochimaru stood silently in place, watching.

This kid Lan had truly changed.

His personality had shifted so drastically in such a short time, as if he were a completely different person.

Could it be that he had been hiding his true self all along, and this was the real him?

The sensitive Orochimaru, through his brief contact with Hyuga Lan just now, had discovered the most significant change in the boy.

He found that the current Hyuga Lan seemed quite confident and poised when facing him. Their exchange did not feel like one between a superior and a subordinate, but rather like a transaction between two equals.

What was going on?

What kind of changes had occurred in Lan over these days to allow for such a transformative performance?

Because of Orochimaru's formidable strength and fickle personality, everyone who came into contact with him, regardless of whether they revered him or not, almost always harbored a hidden fear of him in their bones, and they were forced to be cautious and timid in his presence for fear of losing their lives at any moment.

Tonight, however, Lan lacked that usual caution he had always shown, appearing instead confident and bold.

Thinking back to how the boy had been able to see through his shadow clone right from the start and locate his hiding spot, it seemed this kid had made another breakthrough. His Byakugan power must have increased significantly, which explained his newfound confidence and change in demeanor.

These bloodline ninjas truly possessed enviable talents.

Yet, no matter how much one trained the Byakugan, it was like a firefly before the bright moon when compared to the Sage's Eye, the Rinnegan; they simply could not be mentioned in the same breath. In this regard, the Sharingan was no different.

Having experienced the power of the Rinnegan firsthand, Orochimaru scoffed at the Ninja World's long-standing claim that the Byakugan, Sharingan, and Rinnegan were the three great dojutsu.

In his view, the Byakugan and Sharingan were merely gilding their own faces; there was a world of difference between them and the Rinnegan.

I hope this kid works hard and helps me find The Fool as soon as possible.

Rinnegan, one day, I will obtain you!

Arriving at the edge of the Forest of Death, Lan tossed Anko, whom he had been carrying on his shoulder, directly onto the ground before walking toward the village on his own.

Anko, thrown onto the ground, began to gradually regain consciousness under the impact.

When she woke up, she realized that not only was she safe and sound, but the village was already right before her eyes.

Did she actually survive?

Why would this happen?

Could it be that Hyuga Lan saved me?